Digital Badge #L

As teachers, we continue to learn, as we incorporate technology into our classrooms.  The book states, there are different types of technology equipped classrooms, even so, we adjust and plan to involve student participation.  Many classrooms do not have computers for every student and might have to take a class to the computer lab.  There are others that are equipped with a few computers so students can take their AR tests or work on interactive programs and be monitored by the teacher.  Many districts cannot afford computers for every student.  So no matter what the set up may be technology in classrooms is an effective tool that is prominent in most modern classrooms.  

    

There are many tools a teacher can use to help motivate and teach effectively.  Having a technology based approach to teaching motivates students to learn.  By using tools like the internet, teachers have an abundance resources at their fingertips they can tap into and engage students on a daily bases.  Smart boards have technology capabilities that allow students to participate actively.  On a lesson plan, teachers can implement lessons into the Smart Board to promote enthusiasm among the students.   An LCD Projector is another tool that has become popular in the classroom.  By connecting it to a computer, videos, PowerPoint, and projects can come alive and engross students with the presentation.  Students benefit at many levels in their academic subjects with technology-integrated classrooms. 

In our after school program, we have two rooms; one is for the classroom where homework and other activities are performed, and the other is a computer lab.  The children are always eager to work on the computer that makes me think computers are not readily available in their classrooms.  There is always somebody monitoring them in the lab when they work on research projects or interactive sites. They eagerly help one another when somebody asks for help or advice when navigating different sites.  The students enjoy the atmosphere and are curious to know what everybody else is learning.  This setup seems to work very well because they can be working individually or as a group.     

I believe that it is important to educate our students on the technology that is available.  It is how we communicate throughout the world and our students need to be prepared for the future.  As instructors, it is our duty to get involved by using and exhibiting knowledgeable technology skills.  We know that students need variety of learning activities if we want them to learn.  By making the lessons more inviting and fun, students participate and are motivated to excel.  

  

Resources:

 Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson

Digital Badge #K

Online learning and virtual schools have changed the way students seek an education.  Students attending college or High School want a variety of options, and the internet is offering those choices.  Individuals can take courses at home at their convenience and still get a valuable education.  Virtual schools allow High School students the capability for learning at home and the flexibility to learn at their pace.  As more colleges offer online classes, more students take the challenge of virtual learning.  It is becoming more the norm in education to take a classroom anywhere. 

There can be many reasons why students still in High School take online classes.  They learn at their pace, and classes are programmed according to their interests and unique learning styles.   The convenience of not having to attend a typical classroom provides more time for extra curriculum activities or job opportunities.  Even so, signing up for virtual courses has its pros and cons.  The student has to be self-discipline to fulfill their obligations and responsibilities.   This type of environment may not be for everybody because of the unusual arrangement.  In the long run, this exposure will prepare students for college schedules.  But regardless if they choose to opt for online courses, students should receive support at home in order to be successful.    

It seems that colleges are offering more online courses than ever before.  As I reviewed the classes I needed to take this semester, it seemed like there were more courses being offered online than the previous years.  I took my first online course during the summer and liked the flexibility it provided.   Among the many advantages, I did not have to drive to and from the campus, not only did this saved me time, but money on gas.  I opted to take more classes online for the fall semester, and as it turned out, I am currently taking three courses online.  I like the convenience and flexibility that online learning offers, but I would have preferred to have taken at least one course on campus.  The one I had chosen got canceled, and the only other option was to take it online.  I am getting used to the demanding schedule, but I admit that there are some weeks that I just want to give up!  I will struggle on because I made a commitment to myself and my education. 

 Each student’s learning capabilities are different, and some may need supplemental instruction, so I applauded those of us who have decided to join the revolution and be a part of online learning.  I did not think that online classes were my cup of tea, but as it turns out, they are not so terrible.  As long as you are self-disciplined and able to multitask, anybody who decides to take online classes should be just fine.  I realize that some courses should be taken in person, but the possibilities of learning anywhere and anytime is growing.  We live in the technology age and should take advantages of its conveniences. 

   

Resources

Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson

Digital Badge #J

Why assemble a digital teaching portfolio?  A digital teaching portfolio is a documented collection of materials and resources that captures a teacher’s skills as evidence of their teaching career.  It can help refine teaching skills, their effectiveness and philosophies.  Career development and progression are seen overtime through a variety of information.  It helps to see the inquiry, experimentation and reflection on a variety of activities that have been accomplished over time.  Assembling a teaching portfolio will help a teacher grow as a professional instructor by compiling effective methods that have been tried and proven.  

        

There are many elements to consider when building a portfolio.  You should start gathering components as you accomplish them to make assembly easier.  Highlight the positive achievements but also remember that we are not perfect teachers, and there is always room for improvement.  Be truthful about what you have done as an instructor.  Choose your documents well and have a cross selection of materials not just one subject or component.  It should be set up with some outline and explanation so the reader has a clear view of the contents.  

     

The following are some of the elements our book suggests a teacher e-portfolio should include: 

Resume:  This is a document outlining a person’s background and skills.  It provides information regarding job experiences and education.   

Philosophy:  This should state why you are teaching.  What would you like to accomplish as an educator?  What drives you to give guidance to students?

Lesson or Unit Plans and Reflection:  This is sample material already created and implemented.  Work done on previous occasions and a description of how effective (or not) it might have been.  Include samples of students’ work and feedback on activities.  Post your reflection on your approach and motivation behind the lesson plans and activities. 

    

Academic Courses and Research Experiences:  List of courses or workshop taken for professional development and comments on their effectiveness.  Also include any organizations you belong to and for how long. 

        

Teaching Experience:  This could also include reports on colleague collaboration projects, as well as, teaching awards received from universities or departments recognizing your achievements.  

A digital teaching portfolio is a way to document a teacher’s accomplishments, skills, and strengths.  It can offer an approach of self-monitoring and reflection on what you have achieved and what you plan on achieving in the future.  The process of setting up the teaching portfolio will help set new goals for future development and growth.  It is an ongoing project that requires new input and updates when needed.  As you grow as an instructor, so will your portfolio with great ideas to excite student learning.             

         

Resources

Maloy, R.W., Verock-O’Loughlin, R.E., Edwards, S.A., Woolf, B.P. (2014) Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Upper Saddle River: Pearson

http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/teaching-portfolios/